Marqués de Riscal Winery

Highlights

  • • Founded in 1858, pioneer of Bordeaux-style Rioja wines
  • • City of Wine designed by Frank Gehry
  • • Guided tours with wine tastings
  • • Hotel and restaurant integrated within the winery
  • • Located in Rioja Alavesa, surrounded by vineyards
  • • Accessible for visitors with reduced mobility

Description

Marqués de Riscal Winery, located in Elciego, Álava, is a historic landmark in Rioja wine production since its founding in 1858. This winery pioneered the introduction of Bordeaux-style techniques for red wine making in the region, marking a turning point in local viticulture. The setting blends tradition and modernity, highlighted by the City of Wine, a building designed by architect Frank Gehry that contrasts with the village's traditional architecture.

During your visit, you can tour the original facilities where wines are produced and stored, as well as explore the City of Wine, which houses a hotel, restaurant, and event spaces. Gehry's structure, with its flowing shapes and metallic cladding, offers a visual experience that dialogues with the surrounding vineyards and the Rioja Alavesa landscape.

The history of Marqués de Riscal is tied to the evolution of Rioja wine, being one of the first wineries to export its products and adopt technical innovations. Its location in Elciego, a town with a winemaking tradition, reflects the importance of the territory and climate in the quality of its wines.

To plan your visit, advance booking is recommended, especially to access tastings and the hotel. The winery offers guided tours lasting approximately 2 hours. It is accessible for people with reduced mobility and allows pets in certain areas. The best time to visit is during spring and autumn, when the vineyard landscape is at its peak. Entry prices vary depending on the chosen experience.

Key Information

Visit Duration

2 hours

Recommended Seasons

Spring, Autumn

Accessibility

High

Kid-Friendly Pet-Friendly Booking Required

Related Destinations

Guide

Essential information for visiting Marqués de Riscal Winery

Location

How to get there

By carBy public transport

In this area

ElciegoMunicipio
Practical Information
Visit Duration
2 hours
Features & Services
  • Accessibility:High
  • Kid-Friendly:Yes
  • Pet-Friendly:Yes
  • Booking:Booking Required
Planning Information

Recommended Seasons

Spring · Autumn

Best Time to Visit

Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit, offering pleasant temperatures and vineyards in full color.

Visitor Tips

To make the most of your visit, book in advance and consider joining the wine tasting to better appreciate the products. Wear comfortable shoes for touring the facilities and outdoor surroundings. If visiting in summer, protect your skin and bring water, as the climate can be warm. Check pet policies beforehand if you plan to bring a pet. Take the opportunity to explore the village of Elciego and its natural surroundings.

Historical Facts

Founded in 1858, Marqués de Riscal was among the first Rioja wineries to adopt Bordeaux-style techniques for red wine production, boosting the quality and export of the region's wines. Its evolution mirrors Rioja's winemaking history and the fusion of contemporary architecture with local tradition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers about Marqués de Riscal Winery

It is recommended to book in advance, especially for tastings and guided tours.
Yes, visits usually include a tasting of representative wines from the winery.
Yes, both the winery and the City of Wine have adapted access for visitors with reduced mobility.
Pets are allowed in certain areas, but it is advisable to check in advance.
The guided tour lasts approximately 2 hours.